Dutch delight but Italy exit

The Netherlands produced a 2-0 win against Gambia in Lima to join European champions Turkey in the FIFA U-17 World Championship quarter-finals. But Italy are out of the Peru-hosted tournament after being held by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Goossens opener
Having lost to holders Brazil in their previous Group D match, the Dutch knew they would probably need to beat African champions Gambia to progress with six points. Ruud Kaiser's side began brightly, and after Melvin Zaalman hit the woodwork with a clever chip, he set up the opening goal on 33 minutes, crossing for John Goossens to tap in.

Marcellis strikes
By then Brazil were already streaking ahead against Qatar, and at half-time they led 3-0, meaning the Dutch knew they would probably have to score again to pip Gambia to a top-two finish. And despite the urgings of the Gambian fans, desperate to see their side continue their first campaign in any FIFA finals, the Africans were undone. In the 72nd minute Goossens found Dutch captain Dirk Marcellis, who headed his side two in front.

Dutch through
Gambia had late hope when Ousman Jallow was tripped in the Netherlands area, but Momodou Ceesay, arguably the star of the group stage, missed the penalty. With Brazil winning 6-0, the Dutch progressed behind the holders in second place, in front of Gambia on goals scored. Kaiser said: "We are very happy and proud because we qualified in a very difficult group."

US meeting
Kaiser's team now have a quarter-final on Monday in Trujillo against the United States, who drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast to gain the point they needed to wrap up Group C. However, a similar result in the other pool game in ended European bronze medalists Italy's campaign.

Italy behind
Italy, having lost their previous match to the US, needed a win to go through ahead of the North Koreans and coach Francisco Rocca made five changes. 22 minutes in Italy were behind, Kim Kuk-Jin first to the rebound after a free-kick hit the woodwork.

Equaliser in vain
North Korea continued to dominate, but when goalscorer Kim received his second yellow card 18 minutes from time, Italy had hope. Substitute Andrea Russotto missed a good chance, and although Simone Palermo equalised two minutes into injury time, it was too late for the Azzurrini, out on goal difference.

'Tremendous experience'
Rocca said: "Korea played good football. We have to acknowledge that. However, I still think the tournament has been a tremendous experience for my players."

Turkey against China
North Korea play Brazil in Iquitos on Monday, and the same venue hosts Asia's other surviving representatives, China, as they play Turkey on Sunday. Turkish coach Abdullah Avci will restore his first-choice team after resting several players for their Group B-clinching win against Mexico. Earlier on Sunday Costa Rica play the Mexicans in Piura.